Mavericks' Kyrie Irving to Sit Out Remainder of Season

Star guard confirms he will focus on full recovery from torn ACL

Feb. 21, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving has announced that he will sit out the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season to fully recover from a torn left ACL he suffered last year. In a statement, Irving expressed gratitude for the Mavericks organization, his teammates, and the fans for their support throughout his rehabilitation process, and said he looks forward to coming back stronger next season to chase a championship.

Why it matters

Irving's absence is a major blow for the Mavericks, who have struggled this season with a 19-35 record and currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference. The team had hoped to build around Irving and fellow star Luka Dončić, but will now have to wait until next season to see the duo back on the court together.

The details

Irving suffered the torn ACL last season and underwent successful surgery in March 2025. He was expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 campaign, and the Mavericks have now confirmed he will sit out the remainder of the year to focus on a full recovery. In his statement, Irving expressed gratitude to the organization, his teammates, and the fans, and said he looks forward to returning next season to chase a championship.

  • In March 2025, Kyrie Irving underwent surgery to repair a torn left ACL.
  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season is currently in its final stretch.

The players

Kyrie Irving

A star guard for the Dallas Mavericks who is sitting out the remainder of the 2025-26 season to fully recover from a torn left ACL.

Luka Dončić

The Mavericks' franchise cornerstone who, along with Kyrie Irving, led the team to the NBA Finals in 2023 before they were defeated by the Boston Celtics.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie sensation who the Mavericks are now looking to build around after trading away Anthony Davis as part of a rebuilding effort.

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What they’re saying

“This decision wasn't easy, but it's the right one. I am grateful for the Mavericks organization, my teammates, and our fans for their continued support throughout the process. I am looking forward to coming back stronger next season.”

— Kyrie Irving

“This is about Kyrie being 1,000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season.”

— Shetellia Riley Irving, Kyrie Irving's agent

What’s next

The Mavericks will now look to play out the remainder of the season and focus on a strong start next year with a healthy Kyrie Irving alongside rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

The takeaway

Kyrie Irving's decision to sit out the rest of the season is a disappointing but prudent move, as the Mavericks look to build towards the future with Irving and Luka Dončić leading the way once Irving has fully recovered from his torn ACL.